2026: A Clear Look at Our Local Real Estate Market
As we close out 2025 and step into the new year, national real estate headlines continue to dominate the conversation. Much of the coverage focuses on mortgage rates, affordability challenges, and a slower pace of sales compared to recent peak years. While those stories provide helpful context, they reflect national trends, not necessarily what’s happening in our local market.
Here at home, the story is more nuanced. Homes are still selling, inventory is healthier, and the market has become more balanced. What has changed is buyer behavior. Today’s buyers are far more value-focused, asking a simple but important question: does this home justify its price?
Over the past year, inventory has increased modestly and homes are taking longer to sell. Median prices have softened slightly, while average prices have risen, highlighting how different price segments are performing differently. Negotiation has also become a normal part of the process, with most homes selling just under list price.
This is not a stalled market. It is a market that rewards accurate pricing, strong presentation, and homes that clearly demonstrate value.
For sellers, success in today’s market comes down to strategy rather than speed. Buyers are no longer responding to pricing based on last year’s market or future hope. Instead, they are carefully evaluating condition, location, upgrades, and overall value compared to competing homes.
Homes that sell well are priced intentionally from day one, prepared thoughtfully, and positioned to stand out in a more competitive environment. Receiving less than full asking price is no longer a sign that something went wrong. It is simply how a healthy, balanced market functions. Sellers who understand this upfront tend to feel more confident and stay in control throughout the transaction.
Buyers are benefiting from more choices and greater leverage than they’ve had in recent years. Increased inventory and longer days on market allow buyers to take their time, perform proper due diligence, and negotiate thoughtfully. However, well-priced homes that clearly offer value still attract strong interest and can move quickly.
In today’s market, value does not always mean cheap. It means the price makes sense for what is being offered.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is treating the market as a single story. In reality, performance varies widely by location, price point, and property type. Some segments remain competitive, while others have softened. Understanding where buyers are most sensitive to value and pricing homes accordingly is where experienced local guidance makes the biggest difference.
As we close out 2025, we also want to take a moment to say thank you. While the overall market finished the year up just 3.7 percent, Charter One Realty significantly outperformed the market, ending the year up 21.4 percent. For perspective, the combined sales volume of the number two through number five competitors nearly equals Charter One’s total volume alone.
We are especially proud to share that the Ussery Group was the top-selling sales team in Bluffton in 2025 for the seventh year in a row, closing over $192 million in total sales volume. Being part of the number one brokerage while also leading as the number one team reflects consistency, experience, and a deep understanding of the local market.
If you would ever like a thoughtful market valuation of your home or simply want to talk through what today’s market means for you, we are always happy to help.
Our Thanks,
Johnny & Jeff
